Prison staff at Elkton exposed to toxic levels of lead and cadmium

Prison staff at Elkton exposed to toxic levels of lead and cadmium

ELKTON — A preliminary report issued by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Inspector General has revealed that staff at the Federal Correctional Institution here have been exposed to the dangerously toxic levels of cadmium and lead.

Bill Meek, the vice president of the American Federation of Government Employees, Council of Prison Locals 33, Local 607, announced the finding late Thursday.

Meek, of Wellsville, is one of about 250 staff members at the prison in Elkrun Township. He said there were about 50 other workers at the facility.

A multiagency investigation determined that people were exposed at levels 450 times that are allowable by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, he said.

The exposures took place while changing air handling filters in the ventilation system at the inmate work factory known as UNICOR.

For the complete story, see Friday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.